Identification of the similarities and differences of logistics controller, manager and specialist

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the similarities and differences of occupational identity among logistics managers, controllers and specialists. Design/methodology/approach After a thorough review of the literature, the authors opted for desk research and content analysis of job advertisements for these three occupations as the major research method, focusing on a sample of 60 Polish and German advertisements. Findings The analysis of these data confirmed that the three occupations have their own identity (although there is a certain closeness between controllers and managers), but, from a holistic perspective of logistics management considering current trends in logistics, these three occupations should be integrated as a whole. Originality/value This has been the first paper comparing ads focused on logistics professionals in two relevant European economies in terms of logistics development: Poland and Germany.